Road to Recovery: Finding A Cure for Chronic Sinusitis Part I

If you’ve ever had a sinus infection think about having it longer than the expected time even after taking steroids and antibiotics… that has been my life for almost a year now. First I had bronchitis back in September 2017 and that took a month to clear up, I thought I was safe. Nope. A week after my birthday symptoms came back but this time it was a sinus infection, one that never left.

I’m on antibiotics and the steroid, Prednisone. The steroid works WONDERS because it clears and expells all the lodged mucus membranes lining the inside of my sinus cavity but it’s only a temporary solution unfortunately. My Allergist informed me that I need a CT scan to look at my sinuses and more than likely I’ll need surgery to remove the remaining infecting. The only issue with this, well there’s a few, starting with the fact that I’ll need to pay for the procedure and I already don’t have good insurance and two the surgery doesn’t guarantee that the infection won’t return. So I’m looking outside of the Western world concepts of medicine and going more holistic.

I contacted a Herbalist who is a MD in my local area. She immediately responded to my outreaching email which was GREAT! Dr.Deb sent me the following information for a Herbal Decongestant:

Herbal descriptions:
Nettles: Is one of the most widely applicable plants we have. They strengthen and support the whole body. They are a specific in cases of any type of skin disorder including eczema, dry skin and acne. Nettle rejuvenates kidney and adrenal functions by acting as a natural mild diuretic to remove toxins in the kidney and adrenals. Nettle is used is any type of allergic sinusitis, its constituents are similar to those of an antihistamine. The plant is adaptogenic which means that it will not only address allergy symptoms but will also enable the body to acquire a natural antihistamine and help build up immunity in treating the allergic cause.

Fenugreek: Fenugreek is a digestive aid. Reducing the sugar level of the blood, it is used in diabetes in conjunction with insulin. It also lowers blood pressure. Fenugreek relieves congestion, reduces inflammation and fights infection. Fenugreek contains natural expectorant properties ideal for treating sinus and lung congestion, and loosens & removes excess mucus and phlegm. Fenugreek is also an excellent source of selenium, an anti-radiant which helps the body utilize oxygen. Fenugreek is a natural source of iron, silicon, sodium and thiamine. Fenugreek contains mucilage’s which are known for soothing and relaxing inflamed tissues. Fenugreek stimulates the production of mucosal fluids helping remove allergens and toxins from the respiratory tract. Acting as an expectorant, Fenugreek alleviates coughing, stimulates perspiration to reduce fevers, and is beneficial for treating allergies, bronchitis and congestion.

Mullein: A high content of mucilage and saponins renders this herb ideal for the treatment of respiratory ailments, from coughs and colds to emphysema, asthma and whooping cough. In addition to the soothing effect imparted by the mucilage, Mullein possesses good antibiotic properties. During the Civil War, the Confederates relied on Mullein for treatment of respiratory problems whenever their medical supplies ran out. Several different and unrelated Indian tribes used Mullein for similar purposes.

Cayenne: In colds and allergies, Cayenne relaxes throat, cold conditions of the stomach, dyspepsia, spasms, palpitation, particularly in the acute stages. The thermogenic properties of this herb allows for easy absorption of this remedy to act quickly.

Peppermint: Peppermint is sometimes regarded as ‘the world’s oldest medicine’, with archaeological evidence placing its use at least as far back as ten thousand years ago. The natural oils in peppermint open up breathing passages by dilating the bronchioles. Peppermint flowers are large nectar producers and honey bees as well as other nectar harvesting organisms forage them heavily, for this reason taking peppermint also enhances the body’s ability to build immunity to local pollens.

I made an appointment to meet with her tomorrow. I’m excited for this naturopathic journey and I will be sharing it with you along the way. If you’ve had experience with this form of treatment please comment away!

Namaste,

Amber Choisella